Mercedes-Benz E320 Issues

Comments

My 1994 E320 runs well except for the cold idle issue. The car starts immediately anytime. However, when it's first in the morning, the engine would halt as you shift to drive and press the gas pedal. The idle speed is about 500 rpm and you need to press the pedal for a fast idle (over 1500 rmp) of one minute or so before shifting to drive. The car has a check engine light on. It has been like this for several months. I am not sure what is the problem and how to resolve it.

My 1994 E320 runs well except for the cold idle issue. The car starts immediately anytime. However, when it's first in the morning, the engine would halt as you shift to drive and press the gas pedal. The idle speed is about 500 rpm and you need to press the pedal for a fast idle (over 1500 rmp) of one minute or so before shifting to drive. The car has a check engine light on. It has been like this for several months. I am not sure what is the problem and how to resolve it.

I would recommend you think long and hard since you're a Toyota/Honda guy. The Germans live in a different universe from the Japanese as far as cars go. I've had BMWs, VWs, Nissans and Toyotas and have a 2001 E320 Wagon 4matic; I would say that by a very long shot the Japanese cars have it on reliability over the German cars with the exception of VW - had only one water cooled model - Scirocco which as great and a pile of aircooled versions over the years. If you're getting it right, with right meaning under $4,000 or $5,000, you might be o.k. Expect 100-200 month average shop fees minimum. Every time mine goes in it's a grand which really sucks. The engineering on MBs is amazing but that doesn't pay the rent.

Could you please elaborate on this part of your message of 11/20/08? "Since purchasing it, I have released a brake light switch to get the BAS/ESP light to stop coming on. . . ". Did you replace a brake light switch? My issue is I have "2 malfunctions" on my dash readout which are the ABS and BAS systems with "visit workshop" as advices. ABS seems to be working with a couple of hard braking tries. The "2 malfunctions" came on after replacing battery with I think sits right next to ABS system under passenger side rear seat. Car is 2001 MB E320 Wagon 4matic. 100K miles. Ideas anyone?

Ok. So I have a 99 A4 Audi and am looking for a good used E320. What years had the least problems? and what else should I be looking for? Any other tips and tricks into buying? Dealer or Private seller? thanks in advance for your help.

I notice that my daughter's mercedes transmission speed range select lever does not travel through the full range of settings. It will not go lower than the D - 4 settng.

I could not move it to the 1, 2, or 3 settings. Has this happened to anyone else?

I think that there are times in bad weather or in mountainous regions when the slower settings are useful.

Maybe one of my grandchildren has dropped something into the center console that has become an obstruction.

I did take the car to a reputable transmission repair shop and a specialist drove the car for a few miles. He said the car engine and transmission are working fine and that the problem is probably in the center console. Maybe a mechanical blockage.

I had a Mercedes 2004 E320S wagon with 100000 miles on it that caught on fire and burned.The car was maintained by the dealer from day one. The insurance adjuster said it was either a fuel injector or fuel line fire. Is this a problem with this model?

My '00 MB won't start!! 3wks ago, the ignition key would not turn...after moving the steering wheel, directional/light levers, etc. it 'clicked', the key turned, engine started...No malfunction lights came on...everything had power...next morning, same problem...I waited til that evening to try again...boosted the battery, called Road Assistance, etc...no luck...waited til my husband came home...started all over & finally after a few hours, they key turned, engine started.Bought a new battery for the car and for the key. Had a MB mechanic check the car w/ the computer...no malfunction codes appeared.Last week, same problem. But now, nothing seems to work. And the new battery when checked, shows there are defective positive plates. Will exchange the battery,but...what could this be?? Any thoughts. Can't get to a MB mechanic/dealership any time soon...thanks, ama

i cant get my trunk open on my 94 mb e320. when i bought it all i had to do is unlock the passengers side door and it would unlock the whole car including the trunk, but not anymore.what do i do. can someone please help me out?

also the key doesnt open the trunk from the key slot on the actual trunk is this normal.? does the key usualy open the trunk ?

i own a 97 benz e320 and the brake lights aren't working. the light bulbs are good. the fuse is good. i replaced the brake switch and still the lights won't work. does anyone have any suggestions?????????? :confuse:

Two things, you need a test light or a multimeter to verify 12vdc is getting to the bulb when you press the brake. If it is, keep in mind that the ground must also be intact to complete the circuit. So, could be a broken wire in either the ground or hot, a bad switch, or a corroded connector.

My daughter is moving to LA to finish school and needs something safe to drive.We were considering a 2006 Cadillac CTS when we saw a 2001 E230 on the dealers website. Is it practical to buy such an old car? The price is affordable.Is this a car that is difficult to maintain?Is there much reliability difference between a 4 year old Cadillac and a 9 year old Mercedes?

Based on my experience I would NOT buy the Mercedes. "Routine" maintance ends up anything but routine. The minute you drive into the service center you can expect them to hit the $200.00 key. What should be a simple $25.00 repair to the instrument panel is estimated to cost $1,100.00. Mercedes must have used defective or inferior parts or poor enginering decisions when they built the 2001. I've tried "working" with Mercedes' national and local reps but there is no effort to resolve the issues. The '06 Caddy CTS would be a better investment. Good luck.

Finally replacing a much loved 98 Toyota 4Runner, 5 speed, with 292K miles. ( Still running great but will have first rust work ever this month.) Checked out a 2004 E320 4 X 4 wagon certified, 32K easy miles, bells and whistles! 25K. Rides like a dream. Any comments, suggestions, pitfalls etc? Warranty to 100K, option to buy two more years warranty to 100K miles

Good luck with your Mercedes Benz. There is a reason ConsummerReports gives the ratings they do the vehicles they review. Warranty or not, there is nothing inexpensive about a Mercedes Benz. You may be wishing you had another Toyota when the maintance bills arrive. Sounds like a good price for the unit. Will you be happy with a wagon after having a 4Runner?

I have a 2001 E320. I absolutely love it. I have had it for a year and a half. Am I ever glad that I purchased a warranty with this car. If I had not, I would not have been able to afford to keep it. My warranty runs out in September. I doubt I will keep it much longer than that. To date I have replaced the steering rack, brake light switch, ABS/BAS/ESP module, slip ring in steering column, brake booster sensor, vacuum kit for rear headrests, and had a repair done to the A/C. I hope this will be all for a while. I purchased the car with 68K and currently it has 83K. I would have never dreamed I would have this many repairs on a car of that status under 100K. Make certain you get the warranty.

i bought my 2001 e320 new and still have it. it is a great car. change the oil every 10,000 miles, brakes as needed etc. but, nothing out of the ordinary in taking care of this car. after warranty do not go to mercedes dealer for service because dealers are expensive in maintaining any MB. there should be no poblem getting 200,000 miles on it...

2200-2700 for the navigation and at 45k services on a Mercedes will run about 1200-1500 brakes are 200-400 and usually there is a transmission sensor that needs to be replaced the part is 20-30 but labor will kill you. I have owned several MB and they are very reliable with proper services however you do pay for it.

I took my car to the dealer because the car would not start sometimes it started and other times it would not.

I went to a privately owned auto shop and was told that it is the ignition switch. I wasn't sure if I should believe the person or not so I took it to the dealer.

On Tuesday, 5/22 I left it at the dealer. On Wednesday, 5/23 I was told that it was the computer engine and it would cost $1800 to fix. I said are you sure it is not the ignition switch he said, no its the computer engine. I then called the mechanic I previosuly saw and he said, he knows for a fact it is not the computer engine, its the ignition switch. I told the dealership to do the work.

On Thursday, 5/24 I received a call from the dealership that the computer engine did not start the car something else is wrong with the car still. So I was told to keep the rental for the holiday weekend. On Tuesday, 5/29, I received a phone call from the dealership, the service tech tells me that they replaced the ignition switch and the car started but get this they are not going to charge me for the ignition switch. The ignition switch alone cost $500-600, the computer engine is $1400-$1500.

I am so upset I can't stop crying. What are your thoughts? How would you handle something like this? Is it fair for me to tell them that I am not paying for the computer engine? I am a young female and I took the car in myself, they probably think I am a spoiled brat and my parents are going to pay for the car. But that is not the case... Why wouldn't they charge me for both parts? Please I really need some help with this.